Ssislandgirl Posted August 6, 2015 #1 Share Posted August 6, 2015 Hey y'all, Our ship anchored in Gravdal from 9 to 6 on an absolutely beautiful summer day. We rented a car to explore the southern area of the Lofoten Islands on our own. I hope that the following impressions will help other travelers in planning their itineraries. The Lofoten Islands are the western remnants of ancient mountains which were pulverized by glaciers. The summer sun shows off their spectacular jagged-lined peaks and splendid color. Prior to the cruise we made arrangements with Europcar to have our car delivered to the port in Gravdal. We were on the first tender to shore and the first in line to pick up the car. We wanted to get on the road as soon as possible since we had a packed itinerary. We followed the E10, which is one of Norway's National Tourist Routes, southward. Our first destination was the town of Reine, but we stopped several times along the way to take in the spectacular landscape. Here are some impressions more to follow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ssislandgirl Posted August 6, 2015 Author #2 Share Posted August 6, 2015 We also noticed lots of fish-drying racks. Unlike the ones further north near Honningsvag, these were not covered by nets. We encountered several semi-tunnels and tunnels more to follow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ssislandgirl Posted August 6, 2015 Author #3 Share Posted August 6, 2015 We stopped at a rest stop near Akkarvikodden for these vistas We arrived in Reine after about an hour and a half, parked our car close to a bridge leading to town, and enjoyed the wonderful views of Reine before setting out on our hike to conquer Reinebringen more to come Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ssislandgirl Posted August 7, 2015 Author #4 Share Posted August 7, 2015 In preparation for the trip I read a lot about this hike and we were only going to attempt it if the weather cooperated. Well, the weather couldn't have been any better this day...and we were off. The hike is extremely demanding and fairly difficult. It is short, 3.5 hrs roundtrip, but it requires a lot of concentration, because you really, really have to watch your steps. In parts it reminded me of climbing a ladder, just that your rungs are grass and vegetation. You also have to scale a lot of rocks on your hands and knees. I realized after just a few minutes into the climb, that I wouldn't be able to take any photos easily. I stowed my camera not only in its case, but in hubby's backpack and it did not come out again until our wobbly legs touched the concrete path again leading back to Reine. It was easier for me to keep my balance without having to think about the lens getting damaged :eek: Our climbing companion Wayne was kind enough to let me use one of his photos taken from a ledge near the top. The view was truly stunning. We also met 2 young gentlemen from Belgium on the hike who actually did not stop at the upper ledge, but did a free climbing act to the very top. Here is the link to their 58 second video: https://vimeo.com/133275672 It was a great experience, but the hike definitely made us realize and accept our limitations. This hike is not for the faint of heart! more to follow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ssislandgirl Posted August 7, 2015 Author #5 Share Posted August 7, 2015 After completing the hike, we pushed on towards Å, a tiny scenic town at the end of the E10. Some photos from around town more to come Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ssislandgirl Posted August 7, 2015 Author #6 Share Posted August 7, 2015 We continued on towards the north to explore the beaches of Ramberg and Skagsanden The landscape is fascinating, but the water is freezing cold. Trust me, I checked! I do not know how this young lady mastered the cold. She must be a true Viking more to follow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ssislandgirl Posted August 7, 2015 Author #7 Share Posted August 7, 2015 Our next destination was Nusfjord, one of Norway's oldest and best preserved fishing villages. We were the only people visiting at this time of the day. On the road to Nusfjord Impressions of the vistas around town The cliffs leading out to sea Another Norwegian still life more to come Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ssislandgirl Posted August 7, 2015 Author #8 Share Posted August 7, 2015 It was getting fairly late and we had to leave to catch the last tender back to the Caribbean Princess. Some more photos from the drive back Our day trip has been absolutely wonderful! Here are some photos taken of the Lofoten Islands during the night on our way to our next destination, Alesund. More port reviews from our most recent cruise Stavanger http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2232099 Olden http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2233136 Flam http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2236140 Andalsnes http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2237893 Trondheim http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2239089 North Cape http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2241112 Tromso http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2242143 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I-Cruiser Posted August 7, 2015 #9 Share Posted August 7, 2015 Another great one. I am looking forward to the continuation:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teamflames Posted March 18, 2018 #10 Share Posted March 18, 2018 awesome report and so helpful. Can I ask how much the rental was? We are investigating for our upcoming trip and early research is suggesting a minimum of $200. We think probably still worth it when compared to the cost of excursions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hallasm Posted March 18, 2018 #11 Share Posted March 18, 2018 $200 was what I paid for one week in Miami. Well, Lofoten is not Florida. Price for the day is NOK950 or $125 Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teamflames Posted March 18, 2018 #12 Share Posted March 18, 2018 $200 was what I paid for one week in Miami. Well, Lofoten is not Florida. Price for the day is NOK950 or $125 Sent from my iPad using Forums Can you tell me where you got that price from? Most I have seen are over 300 Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teamflames Posted March 18, 2018 #13 Share Posted March 18, 2018 $200 was what I paid for one week in Miami. Well, Lofoten is not Florida. Price for the day is NOK950 or $125 Sent from my iPad using Forums I have written to the 4 car agencies, 2 have already replied 1725 nok 2005 nok Including drop off. If you know how I can get 950 please let me know. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare TLCOhio Posted March 18, 2018 #14 Share Posted March 18, 2018 Appreciate these wonderful postings and pictures. Brings back nice memories from July 2010 when we had a rental car and journeyed down to "A". My live/blog, connected below, has been popular as people like to consider these many great options along the western coast of scenic and spectacular Norway. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 223,286 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ssislandgirl Posted March 18, 2018 Author #15 Share Posted March 18, 2018 (edited) Hi there teamflames, I am the original OP and included a copy of my email to Europcar. Keep in mind that the car rental prices might have increased since we cruised in 2015! We used Europcar and were very happy with the service and the car. Dear Petra, It is our station in Leknes who can deliver a car to the port in Gravdal. The delivery charge is NOK 250,- + tax.(same for collection) Rate for 1 day rental grp A: NOK 788,-incl. tax, unlimited mileage, collision/theft waiver. Do not hesitate to take contact again for any question or reservation. Have a nice afternoon. Med vennlig hilsen / Best regards Grete Europcar Norway | ServiceCenter Phone: + 47 815 51 800 | www.europcar.no Interrent AS | Org.nr. 913 237 935 Fjordveien 1 | Postbox 523, N-1328 Høvik, Norway E-mail: grete.boe@europcar.no www.europcar.no I used Grete’s email above to contact her. She replied within a few days and was very helpful. Hopefully she is still with the company. Have fun on your cruise! Regards Petra Sent from my iPad using Forums Edited March 18, 2018 by Ssislandgirl content Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teamflames Posted March 18, 2018 #16 Share Posted March 18, 2018 Hi there teamflames,I am the original OP and included a copy of my email to Europcar. Keep in mind that the car rental prices might have increased since we cruised in 2015! We used Europcar and were very happy with the service and the car. Dear Petra, It is our station in Leknes who can deliver a car to the port in Gravdal. The delivery charge is NOK 250,- + tax.(same for collection) Rate for 1 day rental grp A: NOK 788,-incl. tax, unlimited mileage, collision/theft waiver. Do not hesitate to take contact again for any question or reservation. Have a nice afternoon. Med vennlig hilsen / Best regards Grete Europcar Norway | ServiceCenter Phone: + 47 815 51 800 | www.europcar.no Interrent AS | Org.nr. 913 237 935 Fjordveien 1 | Postbox 523, N-1328 Høvik, Norway E-mail: grete.boe@europcar.no www.europcar.no I used Grete’s email above to contact her. She replied within a few days and was very helpful. Hopefully she is still with the company. Have fun on your cruise! Regards Petra Sent from my iPad using Forums Thanks very much Petra, so helpful. I wrote to all the agencies, Avis and Europcar wrote straight back. It was Raymond who replied from Europcar, interestingly the delivery charge is the same but the rental is double (ouch). Perhaps we have booked too late. It is still cheaper than booking 2 people on a 4 hour ship excursion and you get double the time and more flexibility. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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